One-Gigabit Ethernet (1GE) local-area networks (LANs) are now migrating to the edge of the network where small-office/home-office and consumers are connecting. Agere Systems' ET4K family of 1GE switch chips supports this trend.
The ET4000 has 24 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports and four 1GE serializer/deserializer (SERDES) ports. The ET4100 contains 24 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, four 1GE SERDES ports, and two 10-Gbit Ethernet (10GE) ports. The ET4001 brings 48 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports and four 1GE SERDES ports. And, the ET4101 boasts 48 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports, four 1GE SERDES ports, and two 10GE ports.
The ET4K family employs an innovative architecture and algorithms to support L2/L3/L4 packet processing at wire speeds, enabling a throughput of more than 104 million packets/s. The family also incorporates the access-control-list (ACL) function, a feature essential to network security (such as defense against denial of service attacks). These chips support IPv4 and IPv6 protocols as well.
Agere's ET1081 octal Ethernet physical-layer (PHY) chip provides eight standard 10/100/1000 ports while consuming less than 500 mW for each port. Its built-in cable diagnostics save time in testing and troubleshooting when wiring closet installations, advanced power-down modes, and multiple loopback support.
By combining the ET4101 with six ET1081s, designers can create a 48-port switch box that slashes size, cost, and power consumption. Agere's solution uses a six-layer board, while most comparables employ a 12-layer board. It also requires 50% fewer chips and consumes 35% less power.
Sampling now, these chips will be available in production quantities in the first quarter of 2005. Contact Agere for pricing information.
Agere Systemswww.agere.com